Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Ireland - Dublin

In April (yes, it's been a while since the last update) we took a family vacation to Ireland. Two nights in Dublin and four nights in Galway Bay.

This was a road trip style vacation. We packed up the Honda Insight and made our way to Holyhead on the western coast of England. At Holyhead we drove right onto a large ferry to Dublin.

Driving up ramp to board ferry at Holyhead

We spent the duration of the crossing in the passenger lounge.

C received a new construction set just for the trip.

The area we stayed in Dublin was less than exciting. But we it was the only apartment hotel I could find in the city. So two bedrooms with a kitchen and living room won out over prime location. We were still within walking distance of most major attractions we wanted to visit in the city.

First on our list was the Guinness Storehouse: a massive 7-story building full of history and all things Irish stout.

A favorite part of the visit was the Gravity Bar: a circular room on the top floor of the building with a 360 view of the city. A complimentary pint of Guinness is included with admission ticket prices.

Gravity Bar atop Guinness Storehouse

On our second day we walked around the city to different cathedrals. This was our first trip without taking a stroller (gasp!).

Someone's legs got tired on the way to Christ Church Cathedral

The interior of Christ Church Cathedral was closed to visitors due to it being rented out for the filming of 'Reign,' a film about Mary Queen of Scots. We walked the sidewalks with many an extra dressed in period costume headed to their call time. St Patrick's Cathedral, however, was open and lovely. Author Jonathan Swift is buried alongside his dear friend Stella (Esther Johnson) inside the cathedral. I was touched by the story of their mutual respect and devotion to one another.

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Inside St Patrick's Cathedral

Our first two days in Ireland were fun. On day 3 we drove to Galway Bay. Another post on that leg of the trip to come...